Kimberly Gray, the visionary behind Uvii, a female-led tech startup, is gearing up for her first major fundraising campaign. uvii, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to revolutionize education by making it more accessible through mobile-first learning solutions. Adding to her innovative portfolio,Gray has introduced Insync,an AI-powered platform designed to streamline the often cumbersome government contracting process.
Gray has strategically positioned her company for growth. Her efforts have earned Uvii a coveted spot in the Google startup program, providing valuable resources and mentorship. She has also completed a city-sponsored founder fellowship program, which equips startup leaders with the skills to secure funding.This initiative notably encourages applications from women, Black, and Indigenous founders, reflecting a commitment to diversity in the tech ecosystem.
However, securing $3 million in funding is no small feat. Despite a strong rebound in venture capital investments for New York tech companies post-pandemic, female-led startups are struggling to gain traction. “There is a lot of money coming to New york City, but it is indeed not trickling down to women and minority founders,” Gray observed. She also noted the growing backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, emphasizing, “With DEI initiatives being under attack, it is important to be super focused.”
In 2024, venture capital investments in New York City companies soared past $20 billion, a meaningful jump from the $17 billion recorded in 2023. Yet,funding for female-led firms plummeted by over 50% in the first eight months of the year,with only 87 deals raising $350 million,according to a Wells Fargo and Pitchbook analysis.
This disparity is not new. Geri Stengel, head of Ventureneer, an organization dedicated to helping women secure funding, explains, “This is a longstanding structural change effort. We are talking about groups that have been left out of the growth of the economy.” Historically, when venture capital investments dip, female-owned companies are the first to lose access to funds and the last to benefit during recovery periods.
The tech industry has become a cornerstone of New York City’s economy, employing more people than Wall Street and offering an average wage of $120,000—nearly double the private sector average. Despite this growth, the sector remains predominantly white and male, though slightly more diverse than its Bay Area counterpart. Addressing this imbalance is a top priority for the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
One of EDC’s key initiatives is the founder fellowship program, which Gray participated in. Over 250 founders and co-founders from 168 tech startups have joined the program, with two-thirds including at least one female founder. A year ago, EDC launched the Venture Access Alliance, a coalition of over 100 small, medium, and established venture capital firms. The alliance advocates for increased investment in women-led tech firms and facilitates connections between founders and potential investors.
This model,inspired by a similar initiative in Los Angeles,is beginning to yield results. “We want an inclusive tech system—that means women and people of color,” said Cecilia Kushner, EDC’s chief strategy officer. However, the reality remains challenging. Despite her participation in the Venture Access Alliance, Gray has yet to secure funding through these connections. “I have patents, and we have clients in both the public and private sectors,” she shared. “Fundraising has been challenging.”
As Gray continues her journey, her story underscores the systemic barriers faced by women and minority founders in the tech industry. It also highlights the importance of initiatives like the founder fellowship and Venture Access Alliance in fostering a more inclusive and equitable ecosystem.
How does the Google startup program accelerate the growth of uvii?
Interview with Kimberly Gray: Visionary Behind Uvii and Insync
By Archyde News
Archyde: Kimberly, thank you for joining us today. Your journey as a tech entrepreneur is truly inspiring. Let’s start with Uvii.What inspired you to launch a mobile-first learning platform during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Kimberly Gray: Thank you for having me. The pandemic was a wake-up call for many industries, especially education. With schools and workplaces shifting online, I saw a glaring gap in accessible, high-quality mobile learning solutions. Uvii was born out of the need to democratize education—making it more inclusive and adaptable for people who rely on their smartphones as their primary device.
Archyde: Uvii has gained meaningful traction as its launch.How has being part of the Google startup program helped accelerate your growth?
Kimberly Gray: The Google startup program has been a game-changer. It’s not just about the resources or mentorship—it’s the validation and network that come with it. Being part of this program has opened doors to partnerships, investor introductions, and technical expertise that have been instrumental in scaling Uvii.
Archyde: You’ve also introduced Insync, an AI-powered platform for government contracting. What challenges in this space motivated you to create this solution?
Kimberly Gray: Government contracting is notoriously complex and time-consuming. Small businesses, especially those led by women and minorities, often struggle to navigate the bureaucracy.Insync simplifies the process by automating workflows, reducing errors, and ensuring compliance. It’s about leveling the playing field and empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs to compete for government contracts.
Archyde: you’re gearing up for a $3 million fundraising campaign. What’s your strategy for securing this funding, especially given the challenges female-led startups face in attracting venture capital?
Kimberly Gray: It’s no secret that female-led startups receive a fraction of venture capital funding compared to their male counterparts. My strategy is twofold: first, leveraging the networks and credibility we’ve built through programs like the Google startup initiative and the city-sponsored founder fellowship.Second, emphasizing the measurable impact of Uvii and Insync—our user growth, retention rates, and the tangible benefits we’re delivering to underserved communities.
Archyde: Speaking of the city-sponsored founder fellowship, how has this program shaped your approach to leadership and fundraising?
Kimberly Gray: The fellowship was transformative. It provided hands-on training in everything from financial modeling to investor pitching. More importantly, it connected me with a community of diverse founders who are breaking barriers in tech. The program’s emphasis on inclusivity aligns with my mission to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in the tech ecosystem.
Archyde: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women and minorities, who are looking to break into the tech industry?
Kimberly Gray: My advice is to be relentless in pursuing your vision but also strategic in building your network. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who believe in your mission. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out programs that support underrepresented founders. And most importantly, remember that your unique outlook is your greatest asset—it’s what sets you apart in a competitive landscape.
Archyde: what’s next for Uvii and Insync?
Kimberly Gray: We’re focused on scaling both platforms. For Uvii, we’re expanding our course offerings and partnerships to reach even more learners globally. With Insync,we’re working on integrating advanced AI features to further streamline government contracting. And of course, we’re excited about our upcoming fundraising campaign, which will fuel these efforts and help us achieve our mission of making education and opportunities more accessible.
Archyde: Thank you, Kimberly, for sharing your insights and inspiring us with your work. we look forward to seeing Uvii and Insync continue to thrive.
kimberly Gray: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
End of interview
This interview was conducted by Archyde News, highlighting the innovative work of Kimberly Gray and her commitment to transforming education and government contracting through technology.
